Once Kissed

O'Brien Family #1

by Cecy Robson

Once they shared a night of passion. Now a chance encounter forces them back together. In Cecy Robson’s O’Brien Family series debut—perfect for readers of Monica Murphy and J. Lynn—two total opposites find that the flames of desire are still smoldering.

Tough-as-steel cop Curran O’Brien is quickly rising through the ranks of the Philadelphia police department. But when his rookie partner is almost killed under his watch, Curran just wants to prove he still has what it takes to walk among Philly’s finest. So he’s pissed to be stuck on a cushy security assignment for the DA’s office... until he gets a good look at the sweet, straitlaced intern he’s supposed to protect — but not touch.

Tess Newart recognizes Curran instantly. How could she not? Back in college she tied this former frat boy to the bed with her argyle socks! That sizzling one-night stand was the only indiscretion Tess ever allowed herself. She has survived law school so far, despite being pushed to succeed by her overbearing father. Now that she’s interning on a major case against a ruthless crime boss, she won’t jeopardize her career by giving in to temptation again. She just never expected temptation to look so damn hot in uniform.

Tess knows her father has other plans for her, and they don’t include Curran. But soon she’s falling for him all over again. And when danger emerges, Curran will prove just how good a bad-boy cop can be.

Genres: Romance, New Adult, Contemporary Romance, Contemporary, Romantic Suspense, Second Chance, Adult

288 pages, Kindle Edition

First published November 3, 2015

About the author

Cecy Robson is a New York Times, USA Today, and international bestselling author.

As an immigrant of El Salvador with proud Nahua Pipil indigenous heritage, Cecy worked as a registered nurse for twenty-three years and is honored to have received multiple accolades for her writing. In her free time, Cecy creates magical worlds, heart-stopping romance, and young adult adventure.

You can find Cecy laughing, crying, and cheering on her characters as she pens her next story.

Connect with Cecy online at www.cecyrobson.com

Reviews

[Candace · Rating 3 out of 5]

*** I received a complimentary ARC of this book from the publisher, through Netgalley.com, in exchange for honest feedback. ***

'Once Kissed' centers on the story of a young law intern, Tess, and the police officer assigned to protect her, Curran. Tess is assigned to assist in a major case, one that targets the kingpin of a major criminal enterprise. This is a big break for Tess and she can't afford to be distracted.

When she realizes that the officer assigned to protect her is the same man that she left tied to a bed during the wildest night of her college days, she can't believe it. Tess initially tries to pretend that she doesn't remember him, hoping that he won't remember her either. Unfortunately, it doesn't take long for Curran to remember the girl that tied him to his bed with her argyle socks.

The more time the two spend together, the closer they become. That same old sexual tension remains, just as it had years ago. Before long, the two are sneaking around, getting increasingly frisky.

However, each of them has demons to overcome. Curran is haunted by an incident that left his young partner paralyzed. Tess is struggling to maintain appearances, living under the firm grip of an abusive and controlling father. Little by little, they help each other to heal and overcome their ghosts.

Overall, it was a sweet, heart-warming story. It was slow-moving and I found myself skimming a lot. I liked it, but didn't love it. I kept waiting for some type of danger that never came.

[NiCoLeTa E. {Addicted To Books} · Rating 4 out of 5]

***4 "Argyles" stars from me***



I have heard about Cecy Robson and i always flirted with the "Shattered past" series, but "once Kissed" became my virginal book of hers!!! And, damn, i liked it very much!!!

It was from this kind of books that drown you inside of them like you've been a part of the story...
I felt joy and annoyance and anger...
I also liked that i discover what it means to be a part of the law inforcements!!! And damn me but i liked it!!!

I have to admit that i'm not a big fan of cops and lawyers in the books, but it didn't bother me at all in this case!!!
So... let me tell you some things about the plot...

Well, Curran O' Brien was a myth in the police department even though he was new to the force. But recently his rookie partner got near killed under his watch and he accused himself about that fact. And the worst thing is that they assigned him to guard an DA's intern and that was pissing him off. But the things are changing when he realizes that the woman that he is forced to watch out is way familiar to him...

Damn!!!! She was that chick near back to college that tied him up with her argyles socks in the bed and... you know!!! It's so damn pity that he supposed to keep his hands away from her!!!

"I pinch the bridge of my nose and tell myself.
Self, you just need to calm your shit and move on. Tell her it's all good and not to worry. That you've forgotten all about that night and haven't given it another thought.
Well, given I'm kind of an asshole, and I don't listen to assholes, I ignore me."

Contessa Newart was chosen to help the DA with a big case and she is thrilled about that, but they insist to put security in her tail and she doesn't need another aspect of her life to be monitorized. And especially when she discovers who is gonna be her guardian, she is losing her mind.
How is it possible to happen that??? How is she going to survive from this???


"There are a lot of things wrong in my life, Curran. I don't want you to be one of them."

Well, i have to say that i laughed so much with this book and that's because of Curran. The guy was hillarious, he made my day... He was cracking jokes all the time and he was making even Tess to laugh wildly even though that she didn't want to. He was just awesome!!!

But Curran was also very serious and perspective, especially in his line of work. He was a really good cop, he was just having some issues to get over!!!

"In the tough Philly streets where I was raised, you learn to fight or you learn to get your ass kicked. The O'Briens are fighters, and as one of them, I've learned to inflict some serious damage."

Tess from the other hand, she was very weird until the middle of the book.
First of all, she was a young, beautiful woman that she was wearing clothes that only her grandmother would wear, she didn't own a cellphone or a car... and much more that i don't want to reveal you!!!
But after a while, i realized the reasons why she was acting like this and i felt heartbroken for her behalf and i also felt angry because she was taken all this bullshit without complainings!!!


"This isn't a form of abuse most read about online, or catch on the evening news. It doesn't cause "real" bruises, but it bruises the soul."

I liked Curran and Tess together.
They were miles apart but they were so right for each other.

I liked the way that Tess was tranforming when she was with Curran and i hated the way that she was when she was around her tormentor...

"I want her... I like her. She's smart, and she's sweet. Yet for all she seems to have going on, something's way off. The way she eats, how she dresses, and where she lives seem all wrong.
And for all the ways i can describe her, "happy" isn't one of her.
She never smiles... except maybe around me."

I also have to say that i liked all the O'Brien family...

Oh, my god!!! There were six boys and a girl!!! Wow!!! And i can't wait to read their own stories...
I think and i wish that Declan and Melissa's story will be the next!!! And i can't wait for that!!!

I also want to say that i hated her father with all my guts!!! This wasn't a father, this was a monster.
He was a selfish, manipulating guy and i didn't like this form of abuse that he was giving to his daughter.
His actions were giving me a heartache for Tess... and I really wanted to kill him.

And i would like to say to Joey that i didn't like his behavior toward Curran at all. He wasn't right and in a major grade, it was his fault what happened to him!!!

That's all for me... I really enjoyed this ride...


***ARC kindly provided via NetGalley for the exchange of an honest review***

[Christie«SHBBblogger» · Rating 3 out of 5]

Title: Once Kissed
Series: O'Brien Family
Author: Cecy Robson
Release date: November 3, 2015
Cliffhanger: No
HEAYes



Ever since I happened upon this author's Shattered Past series, I've had her on my radar. She impressed me with her addictive storylines and excellent alpha heroes. This series is a spin off of that one with connected characters, but the focus is now on the large O'Brien family. There are six brothers and one sister who will all be getting their own book. Once Kissed is Curran's book, the police officer of the family.

Curran is mentally not in a good place after a tragedy occurred in the line of duty. His rookie partner was paralyzed and he holds himself to blame. He can't wrap his head around the fact that his hesitation to take action caused a man to forever be bound to a wheelchair. It's caused him to second guess his instincts and make him a danger to himself and others on the force. His brother Declan is the DA and he finds the perfect job for him to keep him occupied while he's getting his bearings back. He's been given the task of watching over Tess, the office intern during a sensitive case involving the mafia. Tess has been chosen to aid him during the case and he needs her safe until the targeted criminals are put away.

What neither anticipated was the fact that straight-laced, rigid Tess has met brash and bossy Curran before. After a sizzling one-night stand together in college, neither heard from the other again. They don't exactly have much in common. Except maybe a whole lot of chemistry between the sheets. Tess is completely mortified when she realizes she's going to be stuck with Curran. Coming face to face with her one indiscretion from her past is something that makes her very uncomfortable. I must admit, I wasn't too crazy about Tess in the beginning of the book. She comes off as very formal with zero sense of humor. The way she acted with Curran was kind of ridiculous with her shouting silly antiquated words at him. It's not something I can imagine anyone ever saying.

"You...cad."
"What?"
"I said you're a cad!"
"I heard what you said. I've just never heard anyone aside from Bugs Bunny use that word. You gonna call me scoundrel next?"

Between the way she talked and her conservative, stuffy way of dressing, she's not really a fun heroine. But I will say that as her horrible family life is explained, we get more insight into how she became the way she is. Tess has been emotionally abused and bullied by her father and has been treated as a puppet her entire life. Learning how trapped and abused she's been made me understand her better and I really sympathized with her. One of her struggles in the book was finding a way to overcome her fear of her cruel dictator of a father and finally refuse to give into his threats.

After years of being mistreated and reduced to nothing, I surrendered and obeyed. Just like I do now.



I liked how Curran's bossy and no-nonsense attitude got her to find that fight in herself that's been smothered for so long. She started learning to speak her mind and push the boundaries. And Curran looked past her exterior and saw the girl who was dying to come out. I did enjoy these two together, I felt that they made a nice opposites attract type pair and they had some great chemistry once they broke through her barrier. With Curran in charge of her protection, he's been forbidden to lay a hand on her by his brother. That made for some nice tension and anticipation between the two of them.

His right arm slips behind my lower back, keeping me in position, while his other hand holds my face so I can't escape his stare. But I don't want to escape. Not from him.



Once they became a couple, I kind of felt like their relationship faded into the background and lost it's steam. The last half of the book was mainly her struggle with her father and the issues they had regarding the big case.
With everything else going on, I think the deeper development between the two of them got lost somewhere. I enjoyed seeing them interact with his family and there were some chuckle worthy moments there, but I wanted to feel a little bit more emotion for this couple and it was just kind of dwindling away.

I enjoy this author's writing style and her ability to make secondary characters that are intriguing enough for their own books. I appreciated the focus she spent on police officers' sacrifices both mentally and physically and how difficult their job really is. Although I wasn't in love with this particular story, I liked it well enough, and I'm still looking forward to trying out more future books in the series.

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[Wendy'sThoughts · Rating 4 out of 5]

Congratulations to the 2016 RITA Finalist
Contemporary Romance: Long
3.5 Cocky, Strong yet Understanding Stars
* * * 1/2 Spoiler Free
I happen to enjoy the angle of large, close knit families. When they have the connector of being part of law enforcement and attorneys...with charming Irish heritage and parents, tough, strict but loving...count me in. This is what we have to start with in this new series.

A young brother, Curran O’Brien, in this police family fighting the pain and guilt of a bad outcome on a call with his rookie trainee. He has been tormented with PTSD, hiding the symptoms so he can get back on the streets. He is not ready and the Captain senses that. Instead of what he wants, he is called in to assist his older brother who is an assistant district attorney. He is running a prosecution of the head mobster in the city. This is a make or break case and interns have been assigned to assist with all of the necessary research. His brother asks for Curran to do security for his intern, Tess Newart. Annoyed he has been reduced to babysitting...he awaits his "new charge" to arrive in his brother's office.

Tess Newart has worked hard to blend and not be noticed...it was safer that way and with the damaged upbringing from a monster of a father...it was the only way she knew. Tess was a very smart little girl and with her childhood it is a miracle she has the where withal to be in the top of her class in law school. She has only one more year and then she sees the end of this torture... this life she has been living. She is determined to make it through this horrific journey and come out the other side... no matter how difficult. She has learned and figured out all the bases she must touch to get out and just be...right now she is holding her own.

What she doesn't have, though, is a huge support system of friends or other classmates. Unfortunately, all the other interns are jealous of her being chosen to the assistant DA for this trial. It doesn't matter she is at the top of her classes... or even that she tries her best to assist all of them... no, they all enjoy the mean taunts and gossip about her within hearing distance, male or female... doesn't matter...then playing like it didn't happen to her face...it is straight out of the "snakepit" handbook. Yet Tess takes it and stuffs it down. She must keep her eyes to the goal... Graduation and then freedom.

As Tess starts to go to the DA's office, she checks herself out to make sure everything is in order. Her blouse done up, no buttons undone. Her skirt straightened and gracing her knees and her argyle socks pulled up tight. It is her uniform...conservative to the max. It is how she needs to present herself at all times...the only way Father and her Stepmother would approve.

When she marches into the office to see her boss, she is informed she will be having security due to the nature of the upcoming trial. It is his concern she is safe which warms Tess's heart...and then she sees who will be looking out for her...Curran O'Brien.

No....breathe... I must Breathe...do not look at him...these are her thoughts as a pink flush rushes to her throat and cheeks...

Why does it have to be the one person she let loose with in college... It was something impulsive...rash...scandalous...and she paid dearly for it from father....It also was the most liberating wonderful experience of her life....BUT CANNOT HAPPEN AGAIN...

Curran looks to the young woman and knows he remembers her from somewhere...there is something tugging at him and he is trying to figure it out. Conversations are happening around him and as he glances at Tess's legs and how friggin long they are and how much he would like them wrapped around his hips as he would thrust into her...Argyles! Yes, that hot little one who rocked his world that night back in the day...Well, what do ya know... There she is all pink and flush...and I am supposed to watch her, hmmmm....

We all know what is going to take place...but the read is a good solid one in the making. We see the relationship between Curran and Tess develop from her fear of what he might do to ruin her last year in college and her goals to them becoming a strong unit... working to help each other through all the pain in both of their lives.

This story has all the elements of drama, charm, and family. There is humor, sexy times and hints to others having upcoming love interests. It also has some very ugly tales between a sociopathic father and daughter. We see how families can differ vastly and how with the love and care of others...people can muscle through hard, difficult times and come out the other end, stronger.

I felt this family and look forward to experiencing more with them.
this Family.

Once Kissed (O'Brien Family, #1)
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Let Me (O'Brien Family, #2)
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Crave Me (O'Brien Family, #3)
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Feel Me (O'Brien Family #4)
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
~~~`` before Reading ~~~~~
Do you love large families with lots of strong charismatic men and capable women?
We were introduced to this family of O'Briens in Once Pure of the Shattered Lives series and our affection for them came easily.


A gifted copy was provided by Loveswept Publishing via NetGalley for an honest review.

For more Reviews, Free E-books and Giveaways

[Kika · Rating 3 out of 5]

**3.5 stars**



"Tess Newart. Miss 'Let me tie you up so i can ride you hard' is sitting close enough to touch. Fuck. Me. I never thought I'd see that face again."

Sounds promising right???

Curran O'Brien is the main reason why i liked this book. To be honest the entire O'Brien family is very, very intriguing so i'd love to read more about them in the future, especially Wren, the only girl in a family of six brothers!! But Tess was a weird character. I didn't like her much but didn't dislike her either. She just left a lukewarm feeling with me but, hey, Curran saw something in her so there must be something i didn't quite catch in her whole demeanor.

Contessa Newart (aka Tess) was a walking contradiction... When she was among other people she appeared shy, reserved and non-confident but when she was with Curran she turned into a sex-craved vixen.



We get to know soon the reasons behind her strange behavior and i have to admit, they're pretty valid. At first i thought that i had to deal once again with an immature and silly heroine but that faded soon enough. So, what i probably didn't like about her was her lack of identity and volatile personality. I'm not sure if the author intended for Tess to come out like that but i can't say i'm satisfied with the result.

Now the story...

Tess is an intern with the DA's office and she's working on a big and dangerous case with Assistant DA Declan O'Brien, Curran's brother. Curran is suffering from PTSD after an unfortunate insitent which left his rookie partner paralyzed and of course he blames himself. He's forced out of field duty and so his brother asks him to be one Tess's police escorts, due to the dangerous case they're dealing with.

When Tess and Curran meet, Tess immedietly recognises him but it takes a few minutes for Curran to realize that Contessa is actually Tess, the woman who had one hot, steamy - and rather kinky - night in college and never saw again after that.

Was this book hot? It had its moments...



But...

I didn't like the fact that 80% of the book dealt only with Curran and Tess's relationship - and a bit with Tess's father and Curran's PTSD - and how that relationship progressed and the last 20% was drama, drama, drama. How much drama can you squeeze in 20% of a book? I think the book lacked in terms of balance and cohesion, according to my personal taste of course.

Do i recommend this book? I do...It was interesting and Curran is hot!:))

**I received an ARC via Netgalley in exchange for my honest review**

[Mlpmom (Book Reviewer) · Rating 4 out of 5]

It is with eager anticipation and excitement that I pick up ever read by Robson but this one promised to be even more special. After all, we were not only getting glimpses from some of our past favorite characters in the Shattered Past series but, more importantly, we were getting the O'Brien clan.

The lovable crazy family featured in Once Pure, that was every bit as fun and unpredictable as I was hoping they would be and I couldn't have been more excited to jump in and officially meet them all.

It took me about one page to decide that I already was in love with both Declan and Curran and knew that I was on the path to another fabulous series by Robson. One that promised to be every bit as entertaining as it was going to be swoon worthy and fun and probably emotional as well if this lived up to all the other books by this author.

I'm happy to report that I was right on all counts and this turned out to be an amazing read that kept me up reading long past the time I should have been.

I completely loved the O'Briens and it truly was so nice seeing Killian and Sofia together again and not only them, but Brody and Lety too! That was a surprise I wasn't expecting and I absolutely loved it!

I felt so much for Tess in this novel. It was hard not to be heart broken for her and her circumstances and most of all, I wanted her father to get what was coming to him. I don't think I have loathed a character as much as I did him since the famous Umbridge from the H.P, series. I wanted to reach through the pages and throttle the vile man. I also wanted Tess to be strong and stand up to him more than anything else. And every time she encountered him, I wanted to be strong for her, to give her strength to face him and to say no to him.

Curran was such a great character. A cop in every way but also a loving brother, friend, and an all around great funny guy that was incredibly hard not to swoon over.

This was such a fantastic read and I can't wait for more from the O'Briens. I truly hope they all get their turn in the spotlight.

Robson has done it again and created an emotionally charged read with swoon worthy characters, laugh out loud moments, and wonderful messages all laced throughout the book.

She truly is a talented writer that never ceases to amaze me with her words.


*An ARC copy of this was provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review.*

[Alyse · Rating 4 out of 5]

This review is difficult for me to write. Not because it was bad (because it wasn't), but because it was so different then what I was excepting after reading the book description. The book description made this book out to be a romantic suspence. Pretty DA assistant being guarded by a cop (who happens to be DA's brother) during a big mafia trial in Philly. Cool, count me in. The trial (more trial-prep/research) was in the background throughout the story, Once Kissed was about two wounded people coming together and working through their trauma together.

Tess Newart is in her last year of law school and interning at the District Attorney's office for experience. She was selected to help Declan O'Brien, the Assisant DA, to help research the biggest mob trial in years. And as a procaution, the District Attorney has assigned police "supervision" to those involved. And the cop assigned to protect her... she had a one-night stand with him 4 years ago.

Curran O'Brien doesn't want to be wasting his time supervising the "homely" research assisant for his brother. The only reason he has this crappy assignment is so he can get his head on right after his rookie partner was shot and almost killed. But after recognizing Tessa as his new assignment, things are looking up. Curran never thought he'd see Tessa again after their one unforgetable night together. And the only problem now is he's not supposed to touch her.

(How many times can I say assigned/assignments in a few paragraphs?!?)

I LOVED Curran. He was smart, loyal, and a (funny) smartass. He brought out the real Tessa and gave her a place to feel safe and comfortable. And it was great watching Tessa grow as a person and become more confident in herself and stand up for herself. Curran's love did that for her. He consistly teased her, yet showered her with compliments and attention. For someone who has NEVER had that in her life, Tessa didn't know how to respond to him at first.

I thought these two were perfect for each other and can't wait to read more about this crazy family.

I think Declan will be next! =]

Rating: 4 out of 5

**I received an ARC through Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.**

If you liked this review, please leave comments and make sure to subscribe to my blog!!

[Sybil aka Lala · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book started off really well.

Tess is the straight-laced daughter of an extremely controlling father, trying to make her mark in her chosen career as lawyer in order to escape her father and start a life of her own. She works really hard and tries to stay under the radar, her dream of freedom the only thing that’s important to her.

Curran is a proud cop, but after the shooting of his young partner he’s suffering from guilt and emotional damage. Not being able to get back on the streets he takes a job offered to him by his brother to protect Tess from potential danger.

The two have a shared past though. Once, on the only wild night Tess ever had, she had wild gorilla sex with Curran. Both of them are surprised to see each other again and both have their own reasons to fight against the attraction that still burns strongly between them.

I really liked all the characters in this book but I loved Curran’s family and their hilarious interactions with each other the most. Curran as an H was sweet, funny and his gruff ways were endearing. He was great for and to Tess, who in turn was both strong and weak which I found intriguing. She had two very distinct sides to her, that of straight laced lawyer and that of a wild girl and I thoroughly enjoyed both of them.

The two of them got together pretty quickly and that’s when this book fell a little flat for me. I would have liked to see a bit more angst and anticipation building between these two but instead the book dealt mostly with them coping with their respective issues and the romance between them took a bit of a back seat.

The issues they dealt with, although interesting, weren't really what I expecting when picking up this book. I would have liked to see more of them beginning a relationship rather than just one day being in one. I would have also liked the threat he was supposedly protecting her from to have been a more prominent feature.
All in all though I did enjoy this book and I liked the author’s writing style, there were just a few things missing here for me. The bits with Declan and Melissa really got my attention and I will definitely be reading their book.

(ARC provided by Netgalley in exchange for an honest review)

[Mandy · Rating 3 out of 5]

I'm really torn on my feelings about this book.

The positives:
1. Curran. I loved Curran. He was a sexy cop who was assigned to guard Tess, a girl he had a one-night stand with in college. He was dealing with his own issues after witnessing his partner being shot in the line of duty and the guilt he felt over the incident but he still was a good cop and a good person.
2. The O'Brien family. I love this family. I can't wait for more of their stories and with the little glimpse we got of Declan, I can't wait for his book!
3. The sexy scenes. There were some smoking hot sexy scenes in this book. Tess and Curran together were hot.

There were also a couple negatives as well.
1. Tess. She was incredibly weak. She's at the top of her class at her ivy league law school yet she lets her father control every aspect of her life and can't figure out how to stand on her own. I did feel bad for her for the abuse she suffered but it was hard to believe this very intelligent woman who was interning at the DA's office couldn't figure out a way to get away from her controlling father. One of my biggest pet peeves while reading is a weak heroine and that's how I felt about Tess. She didn't even start to stand up for herself until around 90% and that just annoyed me even more.
2. There was too much drama for me at the end. I could've dealt with the drama but it felt like it was rushed to fit in the last 10% or something. It was a bit overwhelming.

Overall, I really enjoy this authors writing and I can't wait to read more books in this series but this particular book wasn't a favorite of mine. I think there are a lot of people who will enjoy this book but my issues with Tess held me back from really enjoying this one.

**ARC provided in exchange for an honest review**

[S.M. West · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.25 O'Brien STARS

I found the O`Brien clan to be the biggest draw here and I enjoyed hot, sexy police office Curran O`Brien. I had a hard time connecting with Tess Newart. She seemed to have a split personality: meek and mild, reserved with most people yet uptight, prissy and all vixen with Curran. I did feel sympathy for her once I learned more about her past and the abuse she`s endured by her father but I never really felt anything more than 'meh' with her.



The chemistry between Tess and Curran was hot as were the sex scenes and I liked the author`s writing style. While Curran`s told to keep it professional with Tess, that little bit of tension helped but then once they got together, there was no further development in their relationship. I would have liked more exploration of their relationship.

**An ARC provided via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.**

[Julia's Book Haven · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was my first Cecy Robson book but it definitely won't be my last, I really liked this one. I've actually had this one my ereader for a while, and now I'm kicking myself for not reading it sooner. This is an extremely well written contemporary romance. The characters are really developed and well rounded and the storyline was fast paced without throwing to much at you at once.

Curran was definitely my kind of guy, I was cracking up at a lot of the jokes he would make. I liked how protective he was of Tess and also that we got to see a softer more vulnerable side while he is trying to deal with the things he has to see and do while being a cop.

Tess was interesting to me because she didn't see herself as strong at all. She very much fell into the trap a lot of victims do where they blame themselves for not being strong enough to get out of the situation but I thought she was strong as hell. That she was able to grow up the way she did and still become a decent human being who just wants to help people was amazing.

I also really loved how this book really brought focus to police officer's daily struggle to keep all of us safe. They have to see and do horrible things sometimes to protect their citizens and it really takes a toll on them. And we should do everything we can to support them.

My only complaint is that we didn't get a flash back scene for when Curran and Tess get together in college, we got hints at how it went down but damn that sounded way too interesting to only get hints!! Lol.

Highly recommend this one to anyone looking for a good contemporary romance with lots of steam! I've already gone out and got the first book in her Shattered Past series, which from what I can tell this series is a spin off of, and I'm very excited to start it!

ARC was provided by NetGalley for an honest review

[Snow · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.75 "there s smth about the Irishmen" stars

So, i have picked this book cause it was collecting dust on my kindle. I actually needed smth fast and furious...
and i liked the cover...(sue me *shrugs*)

And what a surprise...
this was an action packed story about an unlikely second chance at love...crime, passion, loving crazed bunch of family members...and they are Irish (i know, i sound shallow, so sue me again...lol)

I simply liked it all, i liked the characters, smart and witty dialogues, steamy, whiplashing sex scenes, (duh?!), i also liked the action sequences and i liked the pace that delivered more thrill and suspense until very end.

And i guess as the main character Curran O'Brien says:

Once i kissed you, there was no turning back.

I couldnt agree more, once i started with the first page, i was a goner! There was no turning back! *wink*

For more info and reviews visit

[Jennifer · Rating 3 out of 5]

ARC received for review

It was slow, but man are those O'Brien brothers hot. I didn't really see Curran and Tess' togetherness until about half way. The whole police protection was a lot of overkill. Her dad is one sorry SOB. I'd like to see Curran take him out.

I hope the next book is with Declan. There are already sparks flying between them in this book. It's gonna be good.

[Samantha · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 they say watch your actions as they could come back to haunt you stars. For Tess her one time of wild abandon is coming to bite her quite literally in the worst way. That hot frat boy she tied to the bed and had her wicked way with? Yeah, he's her bodyguard for the remainder of her biggest case as an intern with the assistant DA who is his older brother.

Curran couldn't believe the same girl who had tied him to the bed using her argyle socks was the one he was assigned to protect. He can't even try to hide his reaction from his brother and that doesn't even register. Curran knows what his duty is but not even duty will stop him from wanting, going after, and having Tess.

Tess lives a very hard life in many ways that most wouldn't notice because she's learned to hide it well. Her father's a controlling, manipulative, and emotionally abusive piece of work. She lives to get her law degree and get away from him. She knows she shouldn't give in to the spark between her and Curran, not again, but finds it harder and harder to ignore. He's a good man who takes care of her when he whole life she's had to take care of herself.

As the case begins to come together in the favor of the Philadelphia Police Department, Tess's life is placed in danger. Tess and Curran give into the pull between them and find something they didn't expect. The two give and take from one another without asking for anything but the other person in return. When everything falls into place it is the love the two have for one another that ultimately leads both into the salvation they so desperately seek.

[❤️ Dorsey aka Wrath Lover Reviews ❤️ · Rating 4 out of 5]

Review to come...

[1-Click Addict Support Group · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'll admit, I was first drawn to this book because of the couple almost-kissing on the cover. There was just something kind of beautiful about them, and I wanted to know their story—whatever it might be. The blurb, sucked me in. And then, the actual book? Wound me up, made me laugh, and hooked me on this new series.

Once tied to the bed by her argyle socks, now her protector… That's Curran O’Brien, Philly cop, and man trying to get his career back on track after one tragic night has him sidelined. Being given the task to babysit the Assistant DA’s intern seems like a step backward for Curran, but when he sees Contessa Newart, it doesn't seem so bad.

Tess hasn't forgotten the night of flaming passion she shared in college with Curran. But she's on a specific career path, and with her controlling father trying to force her life in a direction of his choosing, she really doesn't want to get involved again—even if she's falling for Curran…hard.

When danger comes to Tess’ door, and the case she's working on puts her in the line of fire, Curran finally has the chance to prove to his superiors that he's still fit for the job—and to show Tess he’ll keep her safe at any cost.

I was more-than-pleasantly surprised by Once Kissed. Cecy Robson is a new-to-me author, and she's already got me addicted. The chemistry between Tess and Curran was so much fun; playful, sweet, affecting and downright sinful at times, this couple was easy to fall in love with. Ms. Robson balanced Curran’s frat boy humor and needling tendencies well with his kind nature and need to protect, just as she balanced Tess’ prickly, shy exterior perfectly with her soft, loving heart and shattering backstory.

And what a backstory it was. It could have been trite or overworked, but it wasn't. The way this author worked through Tess’ issues, and illustrated how a grown woman could be in her situation was well-handled. The story, as a whole, was well-written, a touch suspenseful and heart-pumping, and laugh-out-loud funny at times. I did, admittedly, find some of the jumps forward just a little jarring on one or two occasions—although I can fully appreciate why it was done and the story was no less for it.

I'm really excited about the O’Brien Family series. Because some of my favorite parts of this story came about when the brothers and sister (all of whom have AWESOME names, BTW) were playing around, bantering, joking and being silly siblings together. I'm also excited at the prospect of going back and getting acquainted with Ms. Robson’s previous series, the Shattered Past series, from which a couple of characters made cameos in fun, memorable, but not hard-to-follow ways; the connections existed and felt authentic, and never like you'd missed something, or someone, by not having met them before. Kudos to Ms. Robson for that. So, is it time for Once Crossed yet? ~ Beth, 4.5 stars

[☕️Kimberly (Caffeinated Reviewer) · Rating 4 out of 5]

There are seven siblings in the Irish O’Brien family and Once Kissed focuses on Philadelphia Police Officer Curran O’Brien. Curran is a natural and respected and admired by fellow officer, but after a rookie he was assigned to is almost killed Curran is temporarily reassigned to security detail. His first assignment is for the DA’s office, where his brother Declan is working on a high-profile case involving a mobster.

Tess Newart at first glance is a meek, geeky intern working for the DA's office while finishing law school. Tess is working exclusively for Declan and this may be the case to help her secure a much-needed paying position. I was not sure of Tess at first, but appreciated her attitude when dealing with catty co-workers.

Curran is assigned to security detail for Declan’s assistant Contessa. He is not thrilled but oh lord wait until you see his reaction to Tess and hers to him. It is priceless and Robson had me giggling aloud as we learned about their shared past. At this point, I am all in. Did I mention the banter between Curran and Declan? I adore siblings and all the ball-busting that goes with it.

Typical of new adult Once Kissed has two damaged characters who are good at the core, and through each other, they become stronger. I love Robson's approach to her stories and the depth she brings to her characters. You get to know them, want to friend them, and ultimately care about them. Tess has been controlled her whole life and her Daddy holds the strings. She resents it, but has her eye on graduation and freedom. As I said, Curran is dealing with the rookie incident and the emotional impact. Robson avoids relationship drama and instead focused on their personal issues and suspenseful storyline. I was simply delighted that she had her character's recommend outside help, instead of the "love fixes all" approach. Brilly! She then weaved in danger, a little suspense and a whole lotta love.

The romance is sweet, hot, heated and at times downright cute. Curran is hilarious but also gentle and sensitive. There is so much more to Tess. She is strong, brilliant, and clumsy. At times, her deadpan comments had me laugh aloud.

Robson weaves in the O’Brien family and I loved this loud, genuine, foul-mouthed family. They tease each other relentlessly, but make a move against one of them I dare you. Declan’s story is next, and a couple of scenes hinted at what is to come. I have a feeling it might be a hot, heated, haters to lovers story and I am giddy at the prospect.

Copy provided by publisher. This review was originally posted on Caffeinated Book Reviewer

[Sophia · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was primed and ready after reading Killian's story. I wanted more O'Brien family and happily got it with the start of a whole series about the rapscallion family of brothers and their sister. This is Curran's story. Curran has an irreverent mouth and he's a good cop, but something happens leaving him with a darkness in him and a loss of confidence. He is really floored when his hot one night stand from college turns out to be his brother's intern and Declan has Curran act as part of her protection as they handle a big case against the mob.

This is book one of a new series and can be read just fine as such, but it is a spin-off series to Shattered Past and acts more as a continuation in my mind particularly as characters from books two and three make appearances in this one and refer back to shared events.

The story opens when Curran is put on leave from his regular patrol after the shooting of a rookie cop he was mentoring. His brother, Declan, is an assistant DA and handling a high profile case against the mob. Declan has police protection and wants Curran to be part of the team put on his research assistant intern. Curran isn't happy, but has no choice. Things begin looking up when he sees that the buttoned up stick up her butt intern is none other than the wild girl in the bedroom back in college that he never forgot. He is amused by her standoffish behavior and blushing glances so he sets out to provoke her out from behind her pretenses and show that woman who tied him to the bed with her argyle socks and made love with wild abandon.

Tess Newart has a goal to finish her law degree and hopefully snag one of the new assistant DA posts opening up. Just six months and she can escape the control of her abusive, but powerful and rich father. The man verbally and emotionally abuses her while controlling everything from how much food she eats, to what she wears, to whether she gets heat in the winter. She is not allowed to form her own relationships and doesn't even get a cell phone or car. She needs out. But now Curran bursts back into her life. He's tougher and there is a darkness to him, but he's strong and capable. She wants him more than ever, but knows she can't have him. Unfortunately, her resolve weakens as they spend so much time together while he guards her. Now she wants to help him get past what happened so he can heal and maybe in the meantime Curran, his big boisterous family, and the love blossoming can help her heal and find her way out from under her father's thumb.

Like the Shattered Past series, this one runs deep, but the characters are adult instead of new adult range. The story is still told with first person perspective alternating narrative so it has the same feel. The author takes the time to make the setting of Philly, the O'Brien family, and the new situation really come alive. The local color is there, but not pounded over the reader's head.

The plot is a combination that includes character development, romance, and a certain amount of suspense. They are interlocking and never over-balance each other so that it works as a whole bit of storytelling and not shifting from element to element.

As to the characters, their flaws and strengths, and their situations, this is where the book shines. The camaraderie of family is strong and I love that it is since the series theme is the O'Brien family. They all went different directions with their lives, but they are still all connected. This is Curran's story, but Declan, Killian, Finny, and Wren are right there in the background as are his brothers and sisters in blue. Curran is a loud, obnoxious, over the top type that makes me grin because for this bluff Irishman, it works. He is rough and so blue-collar that nobody can see him with a girl like Tess, but when they are together, it really works. He wants to be tough and not admit he needs help for his PTSD, but he finally goes because he wants to be whole again and have Tess' proud of him and love him.

At first, I was not impressed with Tess. At. all. She was such a timid mouse, but also a little snobby, too, at first. I was aware that she grew up with a controlling father who still worked his fiendish power over her. But as the story progressed, I was able to slip more and more into an understanding of just what it is like for a person who is abused with such finesse, if I can put it that way for how that beast worked her over. She was broken down and re-made, never being allowed to get away from it so that she drank the Kool-Aid. She doesn't have the skills or the self-confidence to strike out on her own even as an adult though even if she did, her father had contingency plans to keep her in place. It angered me enough to feel homicidal by the time things really hit the high point in this book. I credit the author with the deft way she changed my feelings about the heroine.

So put it altogether and I was most definitely as pleased as could be with this new spin-off series start. Curran is a hot O'Brien brother and I loved to see the beginning of Declan's thread. Can't wait for more. Those who enjoy blue collar passion-filled deeply emotional contemporary romance need to give these a try. Start with Shattered Past series if you can.

My thanks to Loveswept for the opportunity to read this book in exchange for an honest review.

[Erin · Rating 3 out of 5]

Okay.. Heres the thing. I did like this book. I liked the author. I liked the plot. So basically, generally speaking I liked it.

This is what held me up from a 3/3.5 stars to 4/4.5 stars... I feel like the banter, the way the H spoke to the heroine, was misplaced. It wasn't that he was mean or anything. I feel like he was more insensitive and completely unaware of what was standing right in front of him: a vulnerable and abused woman. If you put the H in a different book with a different heroine, it would have been good. This? This just bothered me so much. I wanted to DNF it so many times... but I didn't because generally speaking I liked the book.

I am not done with this series or this author. She's got mad talent. This just didn't work for me like I would have wanted.

[Jos · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 PLUS Stars and if I could give it 100 Stars, I would in a heartbeat:)

Ever have that feeling of such joy and elation when you are done reading a book that you just want to shout out to the reading world that this book rocked my world, that it knocked my socks off, that it was just that GREAT there are no words to convey your feelings!!!!! Well, this book was definitely it for me:)

First, I have never read anything by this author before and I am slapping myself upside the head for that, lol. Author Cecy Robson, this book was a complete literary masterpiece for me!!!!!!! I mean that whole heartedly, I mean it so much that I want to SHOUT out to the reading world, you HAVE to read this!!!!!!! I CANNOT wait to read so much more about the remaining siblings in the future, as a matter of fact, I just one-clicked the second book in the series yesterday and I am so excited to read it and get to know all of these characters even more!!!!!

OK.....so Curran and Tessa, holy hell, these 2 were PERFECT....yep, not close to it, not shy of it but absolutely without a doubt PERFECT! I cannot stress this enough:)

The writing was superb, I was hooked on the first word and only put this book down to reluctantly, I might add, eat my supper!!!!! I was hanging on EVERY word, EVERY sentence, and I tell you as much I was LOVING every single second, I was also scared shit because I wasn't sure what to expect from one moment to another especially not knowing this author's style of writing. Well let me tell you I am now an official fan of hers, like, she is a go-to author for me from now on for sure!

The storyline was fantastic, it flowed seamlessly, perfectly and flawlessly from start until finish! The characters including the secondary cast were all spot-on perfect, they were incredible and they all played their roles throughout the story perfectly!!!!!! I am excited to be able to read all about Curran's siblings in the future starting with book#2 because let me tell you, I fell in love with EVERYTHING and EVERYONE in this book, well, except for Tessa's dad, lol.

OK, so Tessa's backstory is gut-wrenching and when I say gut-wrenching I mean my heart literally ached for her. Her emotional abuse as well as physical abuse from her Dad was brutal to read about but wowza did it ever make me love this girl more and more. Now if I am being honest, Tessa was a brilliantly written character considering her inner turmoil growing up and I wasn't quite sure what to expect from her at the start but wow, this girl was amazing from the get-go. TOTAL book "girlfriend" for me, lol! The author could not have portrayed her anymore perfectly than she did. I loved Tessa from the start even with my heart breaking very early on for her, my love just intensified as each chapter went by. She was beautiful, smart, sexy, she was so compassionate and just so full of honesty that it was so damned refreshing because most of the h's can be so annoying, lol for lack of a better word. I loved that she spoke her mind and I especially loved that she backed it with her actions because they made her that much more of a spitfire for me, that much SEXIER, she was a hellcat for sure in the sack, she truly was such a strong woman even though she would continue to internally battle her dad issues . She knew what she wanted and I loved that she embraced it and went for it...namely the sexy as sin Curran.

Curran, oh Curran......going on my list for top book boyfriends for sure! This man was sexy, swoony, his humor and their bantering had me in laughing fits, I loved it! He was so kind and caring and compassionate and the feelings he had for Tessa were so real and so genuine. He had some work related issues that he was coming to terms with and as hard as it was to see him suffer, Tessa was his light at the end of his dark tunnel. My heart went through so many emotions, feeling broken and yet at the same time it overflowed with such genuine happy emotions too. I could literally FEEL the emotions that Tessa and Curran felt for each other and it was so "real", I never doubted, ever, the way they were feeling. I could envision them clearly in my mind as I was reading, I connected with them completely and was invested in each one of them from the start and those feelings never faltered throughout!!!!

The story was action packed, it had some drama, some angst but everything was done just so right that I never felt that this was just a "story", I truly felt like I was living alongside this book and these characters. I felt like I genuinely "knew" everyone.

I cannot say enough about this story!!!! I honestly have no negatives whatsoever, this story was a Grand Slam, Literary magic, it was off the charts hot, sexy, swoon, heartbreaking and yet so damn heartwarming at the same time! The story was fresh and exciting, it had me on a huge emotional rollercoaster throughout that I enjoyed every minute of as well!

[Nadene (Totally Addicted to Reading) · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received this book for free in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.

Once Kissed is the book one in the O’Brien Family series, bur it is not my first time hanging out with the members of this large, loud and tight family. I received my first introduction to this family in Save Me. Now with that being said, I must confess Once Kissed had been on my TBR shelf for a while. I am not sure why it took me so long to get to it; but I am glad that I finally attempted to pick it up. I had a blast with this beautiful and funny second chance romance.


SUMMARY

In Once Kissed, the focus is on Police Officer Curran O’Brien and law intern Tess Newhart. Curran is hardworking and well respected by his fellow officers. However, after an unfortunate event which almost ended tragically, his superiors placed him on temporary reassignment to work security detail in the District Attorney’s office. His assignment, protect his brother’s intern.

Tess Newhart faces potential danger because of the high-profile case his brother is currently working on. He took the assignment with a heavy heart, not that he had a choice, but when he laid eyes on Tess, his assignment took on a new life. If only she would loosen up and let down her hair.


Curran’s reaction to Tessa when he discovered her identity had me cracking up. You see, these two shared an interesting past. I couldn’t believe Tess had displayed such inhibited behaviour in the past. In this moment Tess comes across as a straight laced geek. She possesses many layers, and it took sometime to peel each one away. However, with each unpeeling, one learns to appreciate her and empathise with her circumstances. To some persons, she may appear weak, but in my opinion, it was the opposite. It takes strength to endure all she did and maintain a compassionate persona. Tess is definitely a survivor.

Curran is the type of hero one could easily fall for. Funny, flirtatious and generous. All was not well with him, though. The incident mentioned earlier led to him dealing with PTSD. He refuses to address it, but a big push from Tess had him seeking help to work through his issues.

The romance which developed between Tess and Curran was sweet, filled with heat and free of drama. I enjoyed their banter, which had me laughing out loud a few times. At first glance, it would appear they wouldn't make a great fit, but this was not the case. They made a great couple, and they brought out the best in each other. Curran showed her what it meant to be loved and helped to restore her confidence.

Curran was assigned to protect Tess, but her biggest threat had nothing to do with the case she was working on. It came from the one person who should have protected and loved her throughout her life. Instead, her father mistreated her and controlled every aspect of her life. He ensured that any attempts to breakaway would have dire results.

Robson weaved a little suspense and danger into the mix, which along with the antics and banter of Curran's family gave the story that extra oomph.

Once Kissed delivered a delightful read which will captivate you with its witty banter and endearing moments.

This review was originally posted on Totally Addicted to Reading

[Sarah · Rating 4 out of 5]

From the minute we met the O'Brien clan in Once Pure I knew I was going to love them, I guess it could be because I have such a small family but I've always loved reading about sibling relationships and since Killian has five brothers and one sister who all have very large personalities I couldn't wait to start this series. Obviously if you've read Killian's book (and I'd highly recommend it if you haven't because it was fantastic!) you'll already be familiar with the family but this story completely stands alone so you won't be lost if you're new to Cecy Robson's writing.

Curran and Tess shared one scorching hot night together back in college but haven't seen each other since, there's no bad blood between them though, it's just the way life panned out. Tess has been focused on her law degree and has her hard work has paid off landing her the much sought after position of intern to the Assistant District Attorney, Declan O'Brien. Declan is working on the case of a lifetime and is close to bringing down a major crime family but that means he, along with everyone he works with, is at high risk of retaliation and in need of police protection. Curran has dedicated his life to his job and loves being a Detective but after a major incident that left his rookie seriously injured he has been suffering from PTSD and has lost the confidence of his fellow officers. When Curran is assigned to protect Tess the last person he is expecting to see is the woman he has been fantasising about since college but the buttoned up young woman is very different to the sexy, uninhibited girl he remembers. Tess has put everything into her career in the hope of escaping her overbearing father so the last thing she needs is the distraction Curran causes her but his charms aren't easy to resist.

Cecy Robson always writes such brilliant characters and that is definitely the case again in Once Kissed. It was very easy to like both Tess and Curran and I was rooting for their relationship from the get go. What I love about this book is that there is very little in the way of pointless drama between the main couple, I'm so bored of reading about couples who push each other away for stupid reasons or who are fighting against the idea of a relationship so it makes a change to read about a couple who genuinely want to make a life together. That isn't to say everything is plain sailing for them, there are plenty of external influences that cause problems for the pair, but neither of them is trying to deny their feelings or the connection that they have.

Throw in the funny banter between the O'Brien siblings and you're definitely on to a winner with this one! I'm excited to get to know the rest of the family better and I'm sure I'm going to love this series just as much as the Shattered Past one.

[Melliane · Rating 4 out of 5]

Mon avis en Français

My ENglish review

Cecy Robson had really carried me away with her NA, Shattered Past, series and I was curious about this new one. I must say that for those who do not know that, we find here the O’Brien family which we have already met with some members in the first set. So we focus this time on another brother, and therefore we find Curran, a policeman working in Philadelphia.

As in the previous novels, the characters here were wounded by life. Curran is trying to recover from a mission that ended terribly. Indeed, having hesitated to shoot a young boy who threatened him and his partner, the new recruit of his team was left paralyzed for life, something that is very difficult to forgive. We can understand that the guilt eats him away but it’s also quite sad to see that he refuses to seek help or to move on and accept it. Put aside for a moment, he will have to watch a young woman he had known when he was younger: Contessa. Poor Tess, it’s easy to understand and sympathize with her difficulties, facing the hardships she endured from her father. I must say that he is quite despicable between blackmail and harassment. He has a clear idea of ​​the men she must attend and her opinion is of little importance. On top of that, without the ability to work and earn money the time to finish her studies, she is under his yoke. Thus, it is very difficult for her to refuse anything to her father for fear of ending up with a huge bill, to have no roof to live or not to have money to finish her law school.

You will understand, then that there are two broken characters by life who know they can not end up together … and yet … Curran knows that whatever attraction he feels for the young woman, he can not afford to put his job at risk by going out with the person he is supposed to monitor. As for Tess, she also knows that her father will flatly refuse a possible relationship between her and the police officer. But this does not change their feelings and it was very nice to see their relationship evolve slowly over the chapters.

I expected to have a big presence of the investigation for which the brother of Curran and Tess work but I was surprised to see that it is not the case. Yet this is not a problem, we don’t actually really pay attention to that as the characters are at the heart of the story. Besides, I did not mention it but I loved the fact that we see some characters from the Shattered Past series even if they are not very active either. In all cases it was a good surprise and I am eager to get more in the future!

[maggieandteddy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great start to a new series. I loved the beginning of this book! No foolin' around when they start to fool around-if you know what I mean. Well then, let me tell you: Curran is a cop in Philly. Before the book starts, he had been in a shoot out that wounded his rookie partner that he'd been assigned to mentor. Curran becomes a pariah of the Philly police Dept. Even the Sheriffs' deputies at the jail and courthouse give him the cold shoulder. Tess (Contessa) is an intern in the DA's office. Currran's brother Declan is the Assistant DA.
Curran gets taken off patrol duty and gets assigned to guard Tess during the time the DA is building a court case against a mob boss and his underlings. Tess and Curran had gone to college together. In fact, they'd had a one night stand at a frat party their Jr year of college. They had a very sexy time together, but never saw each other again until Curran becomes one of her police guards. Curran tries to charm Tess, but she's very closed off to him- at first. Curran is full of charm when he's around Tess. Tess is very quiet and serious, heavily focused on her internship and finishing up her final semester of law school. Tess and Curran are mor and more attracted to each other. The reason that they're thrown together seems a little weak- wouldn't the state or federal government be in charge of security/protection for the DA and their staff? I think of Mob crimes as being handled by the FBI and state law enforcement. Hmm. Well, Curran does spend more and more time with Tess. Tessa has been biding her time when she can be on her own & away from her father. I found Tessa's father more menacing and waaay more unlikable than the mob boss(I HATED TESS'S DAD!!). The drama with Tessa's dad was ongoing. Her dad had NO redeeming qualities. There never was really a reason why he treated her so cruelly. I couldn't find fault with Tessa not standing up to her dad. He constantly threatened her if he didn't do as he said. What the hell was daddy's problem? Curran was so loving and gentle with Tess. He took protecting her very seriously. Supporting characters: Declan, some funny moments with his younger brother; also Lu, Curran's partner in guarding Tess. Lu a 30 year veteran cop and she didn't hesitate to bust Curran's balls about Curran being with Tess.
Curran has several brothers-so I'm sure that there's room for a sequel or two or three.
The epilogue is good. I want to read the next book to catch up with the O'Brien siblings.
ARC provided by NetGalley.

[Susan (susayq ~) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Curran O'Brien is exactly what I would want in a man. He's sexy, confident, funny, and protective. Bless his little heart, he's gone through some stuff an is dealing with the guilt of his partner being shot when he winds up pulling protective duty for the woman who is helping his brother, the assistant DA, work a mob case. And guess what!? He knows her! Like, in the Biblical sense lol Curran and Tess had a wild night together in college.

When Tess realizes who it is that will be guarding her, she wants the world to open up and swallow her. Tess has her own guilt and secrets and she kind of broke my heart for what she had to endure. Let's just say I wish Curran would have grabbed his MMA fighting brother and beat the tar out of Tess's dad. He deserved it.

I was so happy to see Lety and Brody! As well as Sofe and Kill. I loved meeting more of the O'Brien children and am sooooo looking forward to Declan's book. I called it when he met Melissa...now let's hope I'm right lol

If you haven't read Cecy Robson before, go get something by her. You won't regret it!

ARC provided by the publisher via Netgalley

[Maria · Rating 4 out of 5]

You can get your copy from Amazon Kindle just for 0.99$



First of all I have to clarify that the cover is absolutly amazing and the first days I was staring at the cover for longer than I had too. Yeap hope you dont called me a shallow person really :))

I like series when the main protagonist comes from big family maybe because I was never a part of a very big one but I also enjoy how the main couple interact with other members from the family and the laugh or the drama it comes. I just find it very interesting!

I (for some reason I dont understand) I was very connected from the beginning with Curran and Tess.It was a beautiful ride and I was excited to see how the story between those two started and develop in the end. I also liked the fact they were not perfect they had their own personal drama to solve,they did it together! Curran facing his own demons with his own colleugue and Tess dealing with her father (I dont want to write more about him but there are two major moments I really want to smash my Kindle from reading his action towards Tess)There was tension,love,drama and family all balance all together as I personally wanted.

I am looking forward to read the next books of the series!

[Bette Hansen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Can I please please please give this book more than 5 stars???? I read a lot of books every year and enjoy the vast majority. Every once in a while, I read a book that really gets in my heart and doesn't let go. This is one of those books. While I normally fall in love with the hero in the romances I read, and trust me I am crushing hard on Curran, I must say it was Tess that completely stole my heart in this one. With the life she has endured, you couldn't blame her if she were bitter, nasty, and broken. Yet she is kind, loving, and strong. It seems that they were brought together at the exact time they needed to help the other heal.

This is a fantastic story that is definitely on my top 5 this year and going on my re-read shelf!!
And the truly wonderful part? There are so many O'Brien stories yet to come!

[Heidi · Rating 4 out of 5]

Four and a half stars: A sizzling, sweet love story with a dose of danger.

Contessa busies herself in the library, trying to block out the nasty comments flying behind her, courtesy of her fellow students. Most are jealous because Tess just landed a dream internship, working for Declan O'Brien, the talented and upcoming District Attorney. Declan is trying a dangerous criminal, one who heads a major crime family. When Tess meets Declan in his office, she learns that due to the danger of the high profile case, she will need around the clock police protection, and one of the police officers assigned to her is none other than Curran O' Brien, Declan's brother. Tess blushes scarlet once she recognizes Curran. Tess and Curran have a history, one reckless night of sex during college that involved argyle socks. Will Tess survive the case?

What I Liked:
*Ms. Robson proves once again that she can sweep us off our feet with a fun, romantic tale tinged with some darkness. If you are a fan of Ms. Robson's NA series, this is another must read. I throughly enjoyed this novel.
What I enjoy the most about Ms. Robson's NA books are the characters. The stories are all character driven, and *I love that. In this book, you have Tess, a determined law student, held under the tight grasp of her father. Tess is smart and beautiful, yet she is lonely and carrying around heavy emotional baggage. Curran O' Brien, is charismatic, handsome, funny, loyal and quick to make you laugh. He is lugging his own burden as he is recovering from a recent work related incident. I loved his wicked sense of humor and his sexy swagger. Add in an excellent cast of secondary characters, such as the rest of the O'Brien clan, and even an appearance from Brody and Letty from Ms. Robson's other book, Once Loved, and you have an unforgettable cast. What I appreciate the most about her characters is that they are realistic, likable, flawed and they always make me laugh.
*The romance is sexy and sizzling hot, and everything you love in a good romance. I especially liked that this romance had a funny past. It is also a relationship grounded in a new found friendship, and it is one that heals. For all of you who like the heat, this surely won't disappoint. I personally liked the way the two learned to trust one another and how they came together.
*This book does follow the tried and true, if not overly worn, recipe of two people with difficulty in their pasts, coming together, falling in love and healing, yet it still works. I appreciated that this romance wasn't heavy on the drama and angst and there weren't ridiculous stumbles. I liked the way both Tess and Curran overcame their obstacles. They are good together.
*The overall story is interesting. You have a big trial going on as a side line, and some interesting tidbits laid out regarding the rest of the family. There is a big dramatic finish, but it all settles out nicely. I am eager to follow up on Declan.
And The Not So Much:
*Even though I have liked each and every installment in Ms. Robson's NA series, they all tend to have the same format, so I was not at all surprised at the dramatic development at the end. It was easy to see it coming all along. I know it continues to work, but I am hoping that she will take a new angle in upcoming books. The sudden danger thrown in at the end is getting old.
*I have felt this way about most of the books in the series, I feel like the endings are always rapid fire and rather abrupt. You have a big, dramatic event, and then once the dust settles the book bounces ahead a few months down the road. I like that it wraps up well, but I always feel like the pace of the ending is too fast in comparison to the rest of the book. I want to spend a little more time dwelling in the good stuff.
*I kept hoping for a full blow by blow account of all that went down that one night between Tess and Curran in college. There are lots of snippets throughout, but I wanted all the details, especially as to how the socks came into the picture. It was hard imagining Tess as quiet and reserved as she was letting loose like that. I really wanted to know all.
Once Kissed was another fantastic installment in Ms Robson's ever popular NA series. I am not the biggest fan of NA, but this is one author and series that I continue to read and love. I always enjoy Ms. Robson's fantastic characters, entertaining and realistic stories, and I appreciate that her romances aren't heavy on the drama and angst. If you want a good NA romance, I highly recommend checking out this book. I am eagerly awaiting the next book as I can't wait to catch up with the rest of the O'Brien clan.

I received a copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own, and I was not compensated for this review.
Posted@Rainy Day Ramblings.

[Angela Carr · Rating 5 out of 5]

Once Kissed is the first installment from The O’brien Family and a spin-off from Shattered Past series. While Shattered Past focused on the Santos siblings, O’brien Family will focus on, well, the O’brien siblings.

First up is Curran who is a Philly cop assigned on light duty due to a recent incident that resulted with his partner getting seriously hurt. This assignment is suppose to get him back on track. He’s not happy about it but it has its perks. The lady he’ll be protecting is no other than his one-night-stand from college, Tess Newart. He and Tess has changed quite a bit since the. but it’s obvious that the attraction remains the same. Unfortunately, it’s not that simple. They both have demons that can prevent them from getting their happy-ending. Curran suffers from PTSD and Tess, an abusive father, not to mention the danger she is in by working with the District Attorney and simply, the pressures of life.

I loved the opposite-attract vibe in their relationship. Curran is funny, flirty, and sexy while Tes sported a librarian look, very serious and very closed off. Despite the difference the pairing worked and not a sight of instalove in their relationship. Kudos to Cecy Robson, the romance was well done!

The O’brien siblings together was a sight to be held. They were hilarious with their banters and teased each other to the brink of annoyance and embarrassment but in the end, the love and loyalty between them is strong and palpable. These siblings truly captured my heart. They are all down to earth, not just with their personalities, but the lives they live. There were are no gazilionaires with a tortured past in sight but honest to goodness regular people…down to earth.

Curran’s brother Killian already had his book and there are a total of seven siblings. I’m excited to read all their stories. I’m not quite sure who’s up next but whether it’s Angus, Seamus, Declan, Finnie, or Wren, I’m confident that Ms. Robson will not disappoint. She hasn’t yet.

[~Nichole~ Sizzling Pages Romance Reviews · Rating 4 out of 5]

Curran cracked me up most of this book. He was cocky yet loyal and loving to all that he cared about. Tess was the lucky girl to knock him down to earth a little and keep him there forever. Lots of drama from outside issues but nothing that detracted from this sweet relationship. I hated her dad so much. I enjoyed this sweet 2nd chance romance.

Safety info

They had a one night stand years ago and she disappeared on him.. Later they meet again and neither are with others once they lay eyes on each other. Both dated during the long break.. And neither loved.
Safe sex... And pregnancy still happens.
She's of course not a virgin and neither is he.
There were humorous references to his usual type by his family when they realize he's with a girl with brains.
No pushing away really.
Hea with epilogue.